Washington Republicans formally took control of both chambers on Friday, bringing a fresh cast of characters to Capitol Hill for the second Donald Trump administration.
Without Democratic support, the House’s razor-thin Republican majority, which starts at 219–215, will need to work together almost unanimously to accomplish anything. Members in contested districts, ideologically motivated individuals, and some recently elected rookies are given a significant role in the national discussion due to this dynamic, which elevates rank-and-file politicians without leadership or committee chair posts.
In the 119th Congress, keep an eye on these 11 important House members.
Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas
Known for his venomous floor rants, the ultraconservative congressman typically criticizes the concessions made by Republican leaders. He rarely hesitates to vote against a bill that doesn’t meet his exacting standards. Additionally, he is eager to play a larger part in the second Trump administration. Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., may have to deal with Roy on a regular basis.
Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky.
The Kentucky libertarian doesn’t follow Trump’s instructions or give a damn about his opinions, in contrast to some of his colleagues. Roy and Massie were two of the few House Republicans who supported Florida Governor Ron DeSantis over Trump in the previous year’s GOP presidential primary. Massie has publicly and forcefully opposed Johnson’s bid for speaker, saying that the emperor is naked.
Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md.
Harris is a leader of conservative purity in the Trump government, serving as the chairman of the far-right House Freedom Caucus. However, it is unclear how he will exercise his authority. Will Harris be a strong supporter of Trump and help the new president win over conservative voters? Or will he spearhead the bloc of Freedom Caucus votes to exert pressure on Trump from the right on issues where Trump frequently deviates from conventional conservative doctrine, such as trade and spending?
Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb.
As a retired Air Force brigadier general, Bacon was first elected to the House in 2016. Since then, he has been at the center of multiple competitive campaigns to represent Omaha, which is known as the “blue dot” in otherwise red Nebraska. By establishing his reputation as a centrist and defeating opponents on the right and left, Bacon has managed to endure. Bacon told NBC News that he and a few other moderates will be a conscience of the slim GOP majority after gaining reelection by two points last year.
Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y.
Lawler, a member of the New York Assembly and former political strategist, emerged victorious in a fiercely contested battle in a district that leans Democratic. He recently told NBC News that his choice to run for governor in 2026 will depend in part on how we perform in the first few months and our ability to handle the issues that the American people and New Yorkers face.
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa.
Fitzpatrick, who represents the swinging suburbs of Philadelphia, has also been hard for Democrats to defeat because he has established himself as a centrist and relied on his background as an FBI agent. Fitzpatrick, who was elected in 2016 to replace his late brother, has so far been able to strike a balance between his allegiance to Republican leaders and his bipartisan persona. His greatest test to date will be over the next two years.
Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine
Even though Trump won his rural 2nd District last year, Golden, a former Marine veteran, continues to defy political gravity by earning a fourth term. On crucial votes, Golden has been known to split from his fellow Democrats and attack his party. To further demonstrate his independence, he will be encouraged to back certain Republican-led policies. However, it’s uncertain where he will draw the line.
Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Wash.
Similar to this, Gluesenkamp Perez has urged her party to give rural, working-class voters—like those in her district in southwest Washington, which Trump won in 2024—priority. Additionally, Gluesekamp Perez has a history of deviating from her party’s position on votes; most recently, she endorsed a bill to finance the government that was sponsored by Trump.
Rep. Tom Suozzi, D-N.Y.
After winning a special election early in 2024, Suozzi was re-elected to the House. Last year, his constituency on Long Island, which had backed President Joe Biden in 2020, switched to Trump. Suozzi has been vocal that his party should address concerns about border security and immigration, which are top Trump priorities that will divide Washington.
Rep. Greg Casar, D-Texas
The 35-year-old Democrat from Austin has taken the reins of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, making him a face of the second Trump resistance as he leads a large contingent of members who include liberal stars like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. Ina recent interviewwith NBC News, Casar faulted his party for falling out of touch with working-class Americans, saying Democrats must craft a new strategy to counter Trump s cultural battles and maintain a laser focus on wages and voters wallets.
Rep.-elect Sarah McBride, D-Del.
McBride will make history as the first openly transgender member of Congress, and shebecame a top GOP targeteven before taking office. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., has sought to prevent transgender women like McBride from using women s bathrooms in the Capitol. McBridecalled the effortmean-spirited and a distraction from policy issues. Democratic leaders want to focus less on culture wars and more on pocketbook issues in the second Trump term, and McBride could play an important role for them in that effort.
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